The IAPAM’s 2007 Aesthetic Medicine Consumer Study gives
physicians the necessary facts to decide whether or not to add aesthetic
procedures to their traditional practice. The study surveyed women
across the U.S., ages 21-60 on their perception of various aesthetic
medicine procedures. As an apparent reaction to the unregulated medical
spa industry, 78% of women rated medical credentials as very important
when choosing an aesthetic treatment provider. “The results
clearly indicate most women are concerned about their safety when
choosing aesthetic procedures, which is a huge opportunity for physicians
who wish to expand their practice with aesthetic treatments,” says
Jeff Russell, Executive-Director of the IAPAM.
The results of the full study serve as a basis for much of the content
for the upcoming IAPAM’s Aesthetic
Medicine Symposium. The
Study took place during March 2007, so it is the most current information
available on aesthetic medicine. The results give the members of
the IAPAM unprecedented insight to what aesthetic procedures the
public actually wants, what concerns them the most, and how they
choose an aesthetic practitioner.
Another interesting find was that most women surveyed prefer to
have cosmetic medical treatments in a medical environment versus
a spa-like environment. “It was surprising to find that women
don’t want cosmetic treatments done in spas; this again shows
physicians the demand exists for them to incorporate aesthetic procedures
into their practices,” says Russell.
The goal of the study was to provide guidance for the physician
members of the IAPAM who are interested in integrating aesthetic
medicine procedures, into their practice. “Most physicians
are tired of declining reimbursements and increasing work hours,
and have considered adding aesthetic medicine procedures including
Botox® and dermal filler injections, laser hair removal, leg
vein treatments, physician-directed skin care products and medical-grade
chemical peels to their practice. This study is the first to confirm
consumer demand exists and that the public wants most of these procedures
done by a physician, ” says Russell.
With safety and medical credentials seen as key factors when choosing
aesthetic procedures, it appears physicians are the natural choice.
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